Independent Living Philosophy

The philosophy of independent living is the belief that
each person with a disability is unique and has the same
civil rights
as people who do not have a disability.

A few guiding principles are:

People with disabilities know their needs best and
can be met most effectively by comprehensive programs
that advocate for the rights and needs of people with
disabilities and provide a variety of supportive
services.

People with disabilities should have a choice on
how they are integrated in their community.

People with disabilities have the same aspirations
as people who do not have disabilities.

People with disabilities expect equal access to
social, economic and political opportunities for people
with disabilities.

People with disabilities are in the best position
to guide, direct, and control programs for people with
disabilities.